Apparatuses and methods for modeling tubing runs

ABSTRACT

A modeling assembly ( 100 ) for layout of rigid tubing comprises a first releasable coupling assembly ( 110 ) and a second releasable coupling assembly ( 120 ). The modeling assembly ( 100 ) also comprises a lockable adjustment assembly ( 130 ) comprising a first component ( 140 ) and a second component ( 150 ). The first component ( 140 ) is configured to be removably coupled to an end A of a first rigid tube ( 102 ) via the first releasable coupling assembly ( 110 ). The second component ( 150 ) is configured to he removably coupled to an end C of a second rigid tube ( 104 ) via the second releasable coupling assembly ( 120 ). With the lockable adjustment assembly ( 130 ) in the loose coupled state, the first component ( 140 ) and the second component ( 150 ) have only three degrees of freedom relative to each other. With the lockable adjustment assembly ( 130 ) in the locked coupled state, the first component ( 140 ) and the second component ( 150 ) have zero degrees of freedom relative to each other.

BACKGROUND

Tubing runs (e.g., for wires) may need be installed in locations havingvarious structures around which the tube must be bent, requiring complexshapes and/or multiple bends in the tubing run. Use of flexible pipe tomodel a tubing run may result in irregularities in the various portionsof the flexible pipe, resulting in inaccuracy, possibly causing thetubing run, manufactured based on the flexible-pipe model, to be out ofspecification.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, apparatuses and methods, intended to address at least theabove-identified concerns, would find utility.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may notbe claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure.

One example of the present disclosure relates to a modeling assembly forlayout of rigid tubing. The modeling assembly comprises a firstreleasable coupling assembly and a second releasable coupling assembly.The modeling assembly also comprises a lockable adjustment assembly,comprising a first component and a second component. The first componentof the lockable adjustment assembly is configured to be removablycoupled to an end A of a first rigid tube, having a first longitudinalaxis, via the first releasable coupling assembly. The second componentof the lockable adjustment assembly is configured to be removablycoupled to an end C of a second rigid tube, having a second longitudinalaxis, via the second releasable coupling assembly. The lockableadjustment assembly is selectively configured to a loose coupled stateor a locked coupled state. With the lockable adjustment assembly in theloose coupled state, the first component of the lockable adjustmentassembly and the second component of the lockable adjustment assemblyhave only three degrees of freedom relative to each other. With thelockable adjustment assembly in the locked coupled state, the firstcomponent of the lockable adjustment assembly and the second componentof the lockable adjustment assembly have zero degrees of freedomrelative to each other.

Another example of the present disclosure relates to a method ofmodeling layout of rigid tubing. The method comprises securing a firstcomponent of a lockable adjustment assembly to an end A of a first rigidtube via a first releasable coupling assembly. The method also comprisessecuring a second component of the lockable adjustment assembly to anend C of a second rigid tube via a second releasable coupling assembly.Additionally, the method comprises moving the first component and thesecond component, loosely coupled with each other, relative to eachother with only three degrees of freedom to position the first rigidtube and the second rigid tube in a selected orientation with respect toeach other within an installation volume. The method further comprises,with the first rigid tube and the second rigid tube in the selectedorientation relative to each other, locking the lockable adjustmentassembly so that the first component and the second component have zerodegrees of freedom relative to each other.

Yet another example of the present disclosure relates to a modelingassembly for layout of rigid tubing. The modeling assembly comprisesfirst rigid tubes, each having an end A and an end B, and second rigidtubes, each having an end C and an end D. The modeling assembly alsocomprises first releasable coupling assemblies and second releasablecoupling assemblies. Additionally, the modeling assembly compriseslockable adjustment assemblies each comprising a first component and asecond component. The first component of each one of the lockableadjustment assemblies is configured to be removably coupled to the end Aor the end B of one of the first rigid tubes via one of the firstreleasable coupling assemblies. The second component of each one of thelockable adjustment assemblies is configured to be removably coupled toone of the end C or the end D of one of the second rigid tubes via oneof the second releasable coupling assemblies. Each one of the lockableadjustment assemblies is selectively configured to a loose coupled stateor a locked coupled state. With one of the lockable adjustmentassemblies in the loose coupled state, the first component of the one ofthe lockable adjustment assemblies and the second component of the oneof the lockable adjustment assemblies have only three degrees of freedomrelative to each other. With one of the lockable adjustment assembliesin the locked coupled state, the first component of the one of thelockable adjustment assemblies and the second component of the one ofthe lockable adjustment assemblies have zero degrees of freedom relativeto each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described examples of the present disclosure in generalterms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like referencecharacters designate the same or similar parts throughout the severalviews, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a modeling assembly, according to one ormore examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, side elevation, exploded view of the modelingassembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of a detail of the modelingassembly of FIG. 2, according to one or more examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, side elevation view of a second component of themodeling assembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, end view of the second component of FIG. 4,according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of the second component of FIG.4, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, perspective view of a first component of themodeling assembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, end view of the first component of FIG. 7,according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic, side elevation view of the first component ofFIG. 7, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic, longitudinal section view of a coupling of themodeling assembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic, longitudinal section view of a coupling of themodeling assembly, according to one or more examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic, longitudinal section view of a coupling of themodeling assembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic, side view of a second component of the modelingassembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic, side view of a rigid tube of the modelingassembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic depiction of degrees of freedom of a system;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a method of utilizing the modelingassembly of FIG. 1, according to one or more examples of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of aircraft production and servicemethodology; and

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, referred to above, solid lines, if any, connecting variouselements and/or components may represent mechanical, electrical, fluid,optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/or combinationsthereof. As used herein, “coupled” means associated directly as well asindirectly. For example, a member A may be directly associated with amember B, or may be indirectly associated therewith, e.g., via anothermember C. It will be understood that not all relationships among thevarious disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly,couplings other than those depicted in the block diagrams may alsoexist. Dashed lines, if any, connecting blocks designating the variouselements and/or components represent couplings similar in function andpurpose to those represented by solid lines; however, couplingsrepresented by the dashed lines may either be selectively provided ormay relate to alternative examples of the present disclosure. Likewise,elements and/or components, if any, represented with dashed lines,indicate alternative examples of the present disclosure. One or moreelements shown in solid and/or dashed lines may be omitted from aparticular example without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Environmental elements, if any, are represented with dottedlines. Virtual (imaginary) elements may also be shown for clarity. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that some of the features illustratedin FIG. 1 may be combined in various ways without the need to includeother features described in FIG. 1, other drawing figures, and/or theaccompanying disclosure, even though such combination or combinationsare not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional featuresnot limited to the examples presented, may be combined with some or allof the features shown and described herein.

In FIGS. 17 and 18, referred to above, the blocks may representoperations and/or portions thereof and lines connecting the variousblocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operationsor portions thereof. Blocks represented by dashed lines indicatealternative operations and/or portions thereof. Dashed lines, if any,connecting the various blocks represent alternative dependencies of theoperations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not alldependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarilyrepresented. FIGS. 17 and 18 and the accompanying disclosure describingthe operations of the method(s) set forth herein should not beinterpreted as necessarily determining a sequence in which theoperations are to be performed. Rather, although one illustrative orderis indicated, it is to be understood that the sequence of the operationsmay be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, certain operations may beperformed in a different order or simultaneously. Additionally, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations describedneed be performed.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may bepracticed without some or all of these particulars. In other instances,details of known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. While some concepts will bedescribed in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understoodthat these examples are not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are usedherein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal,positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which theseterms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does notrequire or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbereditem, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

Reference herein to “one example” means that one or more feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example isincluded in at least one implementation. The phrase “one example” invarious places in the specification may or may not be referring to thesame example.

As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, orcomponent “adapted to” or “configured to” perform a specified functionis actually capable of performing the specified function rather thanbeing merely potentially capable of performing the specified function.In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, orcomponent is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized,programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specifiedfunction. As used herein, “adapted to” and “configured to” denoteexisting characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article,element, or component which make the system, apparatus, structure,article, element, or component capable of actually performing thespecified function. As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure,article, element, or component described as being “configured to”perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively bedescribed as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” performthat function.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may or may not be claimed,of the subject matter according the present disclosure are providedbelow.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3,modeling assembly 100 for layout of rigid tubing is disclosed. Modelingassembly 100 comprises first releasable coupling assembly 110 and secondreleasable coupling assembly 120. Modeling assembly 100 also compriseslockable adjustment assembly 130, comprising first component 140 andsecond component 150. First component 140 of lockable adjustmentassembly 130 is configured to be removably coupled to end A of firstrigid tube 102, having first longitudinal axis 103, via first releasablecoupling assembly 110. Second component 150 of lockable adjustmentassembly 130 is configured to be removably coupled to end C of secondrigid tube 104, having second longitudinal axis 105, via secondreleasable coupling assembly 120. Lockable adjustment assembly 130 isselectively configured to a loose coupled state or a locked coupledstate. With lockable adjustment assembly 130 in loose coupled state,first component 140 of lockable adjustment assembly 130 and secondcomponent 150 of lockable adjustment assembly 130 have only threedegrees of freedom relative to each other. With lockable adjustmentassembly 130 in locked coupled state, first component 140 of lockableadjustment assembly 130 and second component 150 of lockable adjustmentassembly 130 have zero degrees of freedom relative to each other. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 ofthe present disclosure.

Use of releasable coupling assemblies (e.g., first releasable couplingassembly 110 and second releasable coupling assembly 120) as set forthabove allows for the positioning of rigid tubes (e.g., first rigid tube102, second rigid tube 104) in a desired position, and for reliably andaccurately measuring the positioning to provide for improved accuracy infabricating tubing runs for installation in installation volume 101,such as in an airplane. Use of rigid tubes (e.g., first rigid tube 102,second rigid tube 104) allows for stability and accuracy in modelingruns to be installed. Use of lockable adjustment assembly 130 allows forconvenient and reliable securement of the components of modelingassembly 100 during positioning and/or measurement. Modeling assembly100 may be adjusted and assembled within installation volume 101 toaccount for structures and component to be encountered by a tubing run,and measurements of modeling assembly 100 used to fabricate a tubing runto be installed within installation volume 101. Modeling assembly 100allows on the spot tube routings that may be used to create datasets,drawings, and/or sample tubes. Use of modeling assembly decreases theamount of time to create a tubing run as well as increases the accuracyof tubing run modeling relative to the use of flexible or bendable pipeor wire to simulate a tubing run.

For example, first component 140 and second component 150 of lockableadjustment assembly 130 may be configured to be releasably coupled tofirst rigid tube 102 or second rigid tube 104, respectively, viareleasable coupling assemblies 120, 130, respectively, via a structuralconnection between first component 140 and first releasable couplingassembly 120 (and structural connection between second component 150 andsecond releasable coupling assembly 130), and via an interaction betweenfirst releasable coupling assembly 120 and first rigid tube 102 (and aninteraction between second releasable coupling assembly 130 and secondrigid tube 104). For example, first component 140 and first releasablecoupling assembly may be joined via one or more of a threadedconnection, a slotted connection, or a pinned connection. As anotherexample, releasable coupling assembly 120 and first rigid tube 102 maybe releasably secured through a member that expands (to secure) andcontracts (to release). Alternatively or additionally, releasablecoupling assembly 120 and first rigid tube 102 may be joined vialatching members, and/or members that snap together and apart.

Lockable adjustment assembly 130 may be selectively configured in theloose coupled state and/or in the locked coupled state via aninteraction between first component 140 and second component 150. Forexample, second component 150 may loosely accept first component 140,with second component 150 adjustable to reduce a clearance between firstcomponent 140 and second component 150 to place lockable adjustmentassembly 130 in the locked coupled state. For example, second component150 may define a hemispherical shape that accepts a spherically shapedfirst component 140.

With particular reference to FIG. 15, it may be noted that the sixdegrees of freedom may include forward/back, up/down, left/right, pitch,yaw, and roll.

Use of rigid tubes (e.g., first rigid tube 102, second rigid tube 104)allows for reliable measurement of positions and reproduction of modeledpositions. In the depicted examples, the various rigid tubes aredepicted as straight; however, one or more rigid tubes may have apredefined bent or curved portion in various examples. In some examples,straight rigid tubes may be employed, with each bend or turn in a runbeing modeled represented by a lockable adjustment assembly (e.g.,lockable adjustment assembly 130) interposed between two lengths of tubeon either side of the bend or turn being modeled. As discussed herein,installation volume 101 in various examples may be, for example, aninterior or other portion of an airplane; however, other installationvolumes may be utilized in alternative examples. The tubing runs beingmodeled, for example, may be for hydraulic lines, pneumatic lines,electrical lines (e.g., conduit), or water or other fluid deliverylines, among others.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2, 3, and15, the three degrees of freedom of first component 140 of lockableadjustment assembly 130 and second component 150 of lockable adjustmentassembly 130 relative to each other are pitch, yaw, and roll. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 2 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 2 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 1, above.

Allowing freedom of movement in pitch, yaw, and roll directions whileconstraining movements in other directions allows for free rotation andangular positioning of first component 140 and second component 150relative to each other, while maintaining consistency in otherdirections. As a tubing run being formed may have straight portionsjoined by an angled connection (e.g., either a bend in tubing or anelbow or other joint interposed between straight sections), allowing forangular motion or displacement in pitch, yaw, and roll directionsaccurately models the interrelationship between adjacent tube portionsin the run to be formed.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and10-12, first releasable coupling assembly 110 comprises first femalethreaded member 116 and first male threaded member 112. First malethreaded member 112 comprises first portion 113 and is configured to bethreaded into first female threaded member 116. Only first portion 113of first male threaded member 112 is configured to pass through firstcomponent 140 of lockable adjustment assembly 130. First releasablecoupling assembly (110) also comprises first expander 114, configured tobe interposed between first component 140 of lockable adjustmentassembly 130 and first female threaded member 116. First expander 114comprises through central cavity 117. When first female threaded member116 and first expander 114 are positioned inside first rigid tube 102,first portion 113 of first male threaded member 112 is inserted throughfirst component 140 of lockable adjustment assembly 130, and first malethreaded member 112 is threaded into first female threaded member 116 tocompress first expander 114 in axial direction 129 along firstlongitudinal axis 103 of first rigid tube 102 between first component140 of lockable adjustment assembly 130 and first female threaded member116, first expander 114 expands in radial direction 128, perpendicularto first longitudinal axis 103 of first rigid tube 102, to press againstand frictionally engage first interior surface 109 of first rigid tube102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes thesubject matter according to any one of examples 1 or 2, above.

Use of first expander 114 provides for convenient, reliable securementand disengagement of first rigid tube 102 and lockable adjustmentassembly 130. For example, by tightening first female threaded member116 on first male threaded member 112 by hand or with a tool, firstrigid tube 102 and lockable adjustment assembly 130 may be secured, andby loosening first female threaded member 116 on first male threadedmember 112, first rigid tube 102 and lockable adjustment assembly 130may be released. Use of first expander 114 in various examples can alsoaccommodate nominal differences of sizes of rigid tubes and/orimperfections or variances on first interior surface 109 of first rigidtube 102.

First expander 114 may be made of rubber or other compressible material,and may be formed in a generally annular shape, with an inner diameterabout the same size as an outer diameter of first female threaded member116 and an outer diameter (in a non-expanded state at which firstexpander 114 is not subjected to external forces) that is smaller thanan inner diameter of first rigid tube 102. Then, when first expander 114is subjected to an expanding force (e.g., a force causing first expander114 to expand radially, such as an axially compressing force), the outerdiameter of first expander 114 increases to come into contact with theinner diameter of first rigid tube 102.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 10,first component 140 comprises first through opening 141 and first malethreaded member 112 further comprises second portion 111. First portion113 of first male threaded member 112 is configured to pass throughfirst through opening 141 of first component 140. Second portion 111 offirst male threaded member 112 is configured not to pass through firstthrough opening 141 of first component 140. The preceding subject matterof this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure,wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to example3, above.

Using second portion 111 that does not pass through first throughopening 141 allows for reliable positioning and securement of first malethreaded member 112 with respect to first component 140, for exampleduring actuation of first male threaded member 112 with respect to firstfemale threaded member 116.

First male threaded member 112, for example, may be a cap screw havingfirst portion 113 being a threaded length, and second portion 111 beinga screw head (e.g., socket screw head) having a larger diameter thanfirst portion 113. Second portion 111 may be utilized in connection witha tool (e.g., allen key or socket) to actuate first male threaded member112 with respect to first female threaded member 116.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 10,first female threaded member 116 comprises extension 115 and flange 119.Extension 115 is configured to be accepted within through central cavity117 of first expander 114 and to support at least a portion of firstexpander 114 in radial direction 128. Flange 119 is configured toaxially compress first expander 114 when first portion 113 of first malethreaded member 112 is threaded into first female threaded member 116.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 5of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes the subjectmatter according to any one of examples 3 or 4, above.

Extension 115 helps support first expander 114 and prevent firstexpander 114 from extending toward threads of first male threaded member112. Flange 119 acts to urge first expander 114 against first rigid tube102, as axial compression of first expander 114 results in outwardradial expansion when extension 115 prevents inward radial expansion.

Extension 115 and flange 119 may be made of materials (e.g., steel) thatare more rigid than first expander 114 to help ensure that firstexpander 114 deforms instead of extension 115 and flange 119. Flange 119may have an outer diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter offirst expander 114 to provide support against a substantial portion offirst expander 114 in an axial direction while maintaining a clearancebetween flange 119 and first interior surface 109 of first rigid tube102.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and11, first releasable coupling assembly 110 further comprises firstwasher 219, configured to be interposed between first expander 114 andflange 119 of first female threaded member 116 of first releasablecoupling assembly 110. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein example 6also includes the subject matter according to example 5, above.

First washer 219 provides a larger diameter compression surface for usewith larger diameter rigid tubes, providing flexibility and allowinglockable adjustment assembly 130 to be used with a variety of tubesizes, reducing or eliminating the need for additional sized lockableadjustment assemblies.

First washer 219 may be made of materials (e.g., steel) that are morerigid than first expander 114 to help ensure that first expander 114deforms instead of first washer 219. First washer 219 may have an outerdiameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of first expander 114to provide support against a substantial portion of first expander 114in an axial direction while maintaining a clearance between first washer219 and first interior surface 109 of first rigid tube 102.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and11, first releasable coupling assembly 110 further comprises secondwasher 217, configured to be interposed between first expander 114 andfirst component 140 of lockable adjustment assembly 130. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter accordingto any one of examples 3-6, above.

Second washer 217 helps prevent axial movement of first expander 114toward either first component 140 or second component 150 of lockableadjustment member 130, thereby helping to encourage radial expansion offirst expander 114 when first female threaded member 116 is tightened onfirst male threaded member 112. Second washer 217 helps allow for use oflockable adjustment member 130 with tube sizes having inner diameterslarger than an outer diameter of first component 140 or second component150.

Second washer 217 may be made of materials (e.g., steel) that are morerigid than first expander 114 to help ensure that first expander 114deforms instead of second washer 217.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and11, second washer 217 has an outer diameter that is smaller than aninner diameter of first interior surface 109 of first rigid tube 102.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 7, above.

Use of an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of firstrigid tube 102 allows for a clearance for second washer 217 to bedisposed inside of first rigid tube 102, reducing the size or improvingthe compactness of modeling assembly 100.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and11, second washer 217 has an outer diameter that is larger than an innerdiameter of first interior surface 109 of first rigid tube 102. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 7, above.

Use of an outer diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of firstrigid tube 102 allows for a positive mechanical stop or interactionbetween first rigid tube 102 and second washer 217, helping provide forconsistent, reliable positioning of lockable adjustment member 130 andfirst rigid tube 102 relative to each other.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and10-12, second releasable coupling assembly 120 comprises second femalethreaded member 126 and second male threaded member 122. Second malethreaded member 122 comprises first portion 123 and is configured to bethreaded into second female threaded member 126. Only first portion 123of second male threaded member 122 is configured to pass through secondcomponent 150 of lockable adjustment assembly 130. Second releasablecoupling assembly (120) also comprises second expander 124, which isconfigured to be interposed between second component 150 of lockableadjustment assembly 130 and second female threaded member 126. Secondexpander 124 comprises through central cavity 118. When second femalethreaded member 126 and second expander 124 are positioned inside secondrigid tube 104, first portion 123 of second male threaded member 122 isinserted through second component 150 of lockable adjustment assembly130, and second male threaded member 122 is threaded into second femalethreaded member 126 to compress second expander 124 in axial direction131 along second longitudinal axis 105 of second rigid tube 104 betweensecond component 150 of lockable adjustment assembly 130 and secondfemale threaded member 126, second expander 124 expands in radialdirection 132, perpendicular to second longitudinal axis 105 of secondrigid tube 104 to press against and frictionally engage second interiorsurface 209 of second rigid tube 104. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure,wherein example 10 also includes the subject matter according to any oneof examples 1-9, above.

Use of second expander 124 provides for convenient, reliable securementand disengagement of second rigid tube 104 and lockable adjustmentassembly 130. For example, by tightening second female threaded member126 on second male threaded member 122 by hand or with a tool, secondrigid tube 104 and lockable adjustment assembly 130 may be secured, andby loosening second female threaded member 126 on second male threadedmember 122, second rigid tube 104 and lockable adjustment assembly 130may be released. Use of second expander 124 in various examples can alsoaccommodate nominal differences of sizes of rigid tubes and/orimperfections or variances on second interior surface 209 of secondrigid tube 104.

Second expander 124 may be made of rubber or other compressiblematerial, and may be formed in a generally annular shape, with an innerdiameter about the same size as an outer diameter of second femalethreaded member 126 and an outer diameter (in a non-expanded state atwhich second expander 124 is not subjected to external forces) that issmaller than an inner diameter of second rigid tube 104. Then, whensecond expander 124 is subjected to an expanding force (e.g., a forcecausing second expander 124 to expand radially, such as an axiallycompressing force), the outer diameter of second expander 124 increasesto come into contact with the inner diameter of second rigid tube 104.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and10-12, second component 150 comprises second through opening 151 andsecond male threaded member 122 further comprises second portion 121.First portion 123 of second male threaded member 122 is configured topass through second through opening 151 of second component 150. Secondportion 121 of second male threaded member 122 is configured not to passthrough second through opening 151 of second component 150. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 10, above.

Using second portion 121 that does not pass through second throughopening 151 allows for reliable positioning and securement of secondmale threaded member 122 with respect to second component 150, forexample during actuation of second male threaded member 122 with respectto second female threaded member 126.

Second male threaded member 122, for example, may be a cap screw havingfirst portion 123 being a threaded length, and second portion 121 beinga screw head (e.g., socket screw head) having a larger diameter thanfirst portion 123. Second portion 121 may be utilized in connection witha tool (e.g., allen key or hex socket) to actuate second male threadedmember 122 with respect to second female threaded member 126.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-9,first component 140 comprises spherical portion 143. Second component150 comprises cavity 152 selectively configured to an expanded state,corresponding to the loose coupled stated of lockable adjustmentassembly 130, or a contracted state, corresponding to the locked coupledstate of lockable adjustment assembly 130. In the expanded state, cavity152 of second component 150 is configured to be loosely coupled withspherical portion 143 of first component 140. In the contracted state,cavity 152 of second component 150 is configured to fixedly retainspherical portion 143 of first component 140. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matteraccording to any one of examples 1-11, above.

Use of spherical portion 143 and corresponding cavity 152 provides forconsistent, reliable securement of lockable adjustment assembly 130.Also, use of spherical portion 143 and corresponding cavity 152 allowsfor freedom of movement in pitch, yaw, and roll degrees of freedom,while constraining other motions of first component 140 and secondcomponent 150 relative to each other.

Spherical portion 143 may be a solid member made of a rigid material(e.g., steel) to prevent compression of spherical portion 143 whencavity 152 is placed in the contracted state. Cavity 152 may define avolume encompassing slightly more than half of a sphere, so thatspherical portion 143 may be loosely retained in cavity 152 when cavity152 is in the expanded state. Alternatively or additionally, cavity 152may be sized to be about the same size or slightly smaller thanspherical portion 143, but be defined by members having a sufficientresiliency or flexibility that insertion of spherical portion 143 maybias the members defining cavity 152 outwardly, with the membersdefining cavity 152 resiliently urging against spherical portion 143sufficiently to loosely retain spherical portion 143 while stillpermitting rotation of spherical portion 143 relative to cavity 152.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 4-6,second component 150 comprises fingers 153 and notches 154 formedbetween fingers 153. Each of notches 154 has width 156. Width 156 ofnotches 154 decreases when cavity 152 of second component 150 isconfigured from the expanded state to the contracted state. Width 156 ofnotches 154 increases when cavity 152 of second component 150 isconfigured from the contracted state to the expanded state. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 12, above.

Use of fingers 153 separated by notches 154 having variable width 156allows for consistent, reliable contraction and expansion of cavity 152.

Fingers 153 may be made of a resiliently flexible material (e.g.,steel), with the thickness of fingers 153 and the size of notches 154designed or selected to allow for convenient or easy biasing of fingers153 while still providing enough rigidity to securely grasp sphericalportion 154 in the contracted state.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-6,second component 150 further comprises neck 158. Lockable adjustmentassembly 130 further comprises threaded nut 159, configured toprogressively threadably engage neck 158 of second component 150 toconfigure cavity 152 of second component 150 to the contracted state orto progressively threadably disengage neck 158 of second component 150to configure cavity 152 of second component 150 to the expanded state.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14of the present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 13, above.

Threaded nut 159 may be actuated in a rotational manner to advance alongneck 158 to tighten or loosen cavity 152 about spherical portion 143 (oractuate cavity 152 between contracted and expanded states). Threaded nut159 allows for convenient actuation of cavity 152 between contracted andexpanded states by hand or by using a tool, such as a wrench.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-9 and13, neck 158 of second component 150 is tapered. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 15 also includes the subject matteraccording to example 14, above.

Use of tapered neck 158 in connection with threaded nut 159 allows forconvenient actuation of cavity 152 between contracted and expandedstates by hand or by using a tool, such as a wrench.

Neck 158 may taper from a smaller diameter away from a center of cavity152 to a larger diameter toward the center of cavity 152. Thus, asthreaded nut 159 is advanced toward cavity 152, threaded nut 159 pressesagainst the taper of neck 158, urging cavity 152 toward the contractedstate. As threaded nut 159 is advanced away from cavity 152, neck 158may resiliently return to its unbiased state, urging cavity 152 towardthe expanded state.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-9 and13, first component 140 of lockable adjustment assembly 130 furthercomprises neck 142. At least one of fingers 153 of second component 150comprises relief cutout 157 configured to clear neck 142 of firstcomponent 140. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein example 16also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 13-15,above.

Use of relief cutout 157 allows for an increase in the range ofavailable angular motion between first component 140 and secondcomponent 150 relative to each other (and accordingly between firstrigid tube 102 and second rigid tube 104 relative to each other) byproviding a clearance for neck 142 of first component 140.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and7-9, first component 140 of lockable adjustment assembly 130 comprisesmarkings 190 configured to indicate an orientation of first rigid tube102 with respect to second rigid tube 104. The preceding subject matterof this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure,wherein example 17 also includes the subject matter according to any oneof examples 1-16, above.

The use of markings 190 allows for convenient, reliable visualdetermination or confirmation of positioning or orientation of firstrigid tube 102 with respect to second rigid tube 104. For example, withmodeling assembly 100 in place in a desired location, markings 190 maybe used to determine the orientation of first rigid tube 102 withrespect to second rigid tube 104. The determined orientation may beused, for example, to construct the run to be installed. Alternatively,modeling assembly 100 may be disassembled in the desired location foreasy transport, re-assembled in a remote location (e.g., shop located ata distance from the desired location or installation location 101) usingmarkings 190 as a guide, and measured.

Markings 190, for example, may be provided as a grid of lines or arcstraversing a surface of second component 140 (e.g., spherical portion143). Additionally or alternatively, markings 190 may includealphanumeric indicators.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and7-9, first component 140 of lockable adjustment assembly 130 comprisesat least one marking 162 indicating a center of lockable adjustmentassembly 130. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-17,above.

Use of marking 162 provides for convenient, reliable location of acenter of lockable adjustment assembly 130, which may be used, forexample, to measure distances between centers of adjacent lockableadjustment assemblies defining end points of a portion of a tubing run.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and7-9, lockable adjustment assembly 130 further comprises position sensor160. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 19 of the present disclosure, wherein example 19 also includesthe subject matter according to any one of examples 1-18, above.

Use of position sensor 160 provides for reliable automated determinationof a position and/or orientation of rigid tubes mounted to lockableadjustment assembly. For example, position sensor 160 may includeelectronic sensor configured to identify a position of a portion (e.g.,center) of lockable adjustment assembly. As another example, positionsensor 160 may include one or more electronic sensors configured toidentify an angular relationship between first rigid tube 102 and secondrigid tube 104.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and7-9, position sensor 160 is coupled to one of first component 140 orsecond component 150. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein example 20also includes the subject matter according to example 19, above.

Coupling of position sensor 160 to one of first component 140 or secondcomponent 150 provides secure, reliable, positioning of position sensor160 at a predetermined location for reliable measurement of modelingassembly 100. For example, position sensor may be disposed inside firstcomponent 140 (e.g., at a center of a hemisphere or other shape definedby first component 140).

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and14, at least one of first rigid tube 102 or second rigid tube 104comprises telescoping assembly 180. At least one of first rigid tube 102or second rigid tube 104 has adjustable length 182. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 21 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 21 also includes the subject matteraccording to any one of examples 1-20, above.

Use of telescoping assembly 180 allows for varying length of a rigidtube as well as orientation of two or more rigid tubes for convenient,accurate modeling of a tubing run within installation volume 101. Theillustrated example depicts only one telescoping section; however it maybe noted that in alternate examples plural nested telescoping sectionsmay be provided in first rigid tube 102 or second rigid tube 104.Further, telescoping assembly 180 may also include or have associatedtherewith markings for convenient visual determination of adjustablelength 182. Alternatively or additionally, telescoping assembly 180 mayalso include or have associated therewith a locking or securementassembly to maintain telescoping assembly 180 at a desired adjustablelength 182.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 and particularly to FIG. 16,method 300 of modeling layout of rigid tubing is disclosed. Method 300comprises (block 1602) securing first component 140 of lockableadjustment assembly 130 to end A of first rigid tube 102 via firstreleasable coupling assembly 110. Method 300 also comprises (block 1604)securing second component 150 of lockable adjustment assembly 130 to endC of second rigid tube 104 via second releasable coupling assembly 120.Additionally, method 300 comprises (block 1606) moving first component140 and second component 150, loosely coupled with each other, relativeto each other with only three degrees of freedom to position first rigidtube 102 and second rigid tube 104 in a selected orientation withrespect to each other within installation volume 101. Method 300 furthercomprises (block 1608), with first rigid tube 102 and second rigid tube104 in the selected orientation relative to each other, locking lockableadjustment assembly 130 so that first component 140 and second component150 have zero degrees of freedom relative to each other. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 22 of the presentdisclosure.

Rigid tubes (e.g., first rigid tube 102, second rigid tube 104) formodeling tubing runs may accordingly be reliably oriented in a desiredposition, and accurately measured, providing improved accuracy infabricating tubing runs for installation in a selected environment, suchas in an airplane. Use of rigid tubes (e.g., first rigid tube 102,second rigid tube 104) allows for stability and accuracy in modelingruns to be installed at a location at which one or more tubing runs areto be installed (e.g., installation volume 101). Use of lockableadjustment assembly 130 allows for convenient and reliable securement ofthe components of modeling assembly 100 during positioning and/ormeasurement.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 and particularly to FIG. 16,method 300 further comprises (block 1610) identifying characteristics ofa geometry defined by first rigid tube 102 and second rigid tube 104.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 23of the present disclosure, wherein example 23 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 22, above.

Identified characteristics of a geometry defined by first rigid tube 102and second rigid tube 104 may be used to accurately fabricate a tubingrun to be installed in installation volume 101. Alternatively, theidentified characteristics may be used to dis-assemble and re-assemblemodeling assembly 100 in a remote location for more convenient and/ormore accurate measurement. The identified characteristics may includefor example, an angular relationship between first rigid tube 102 andsecond rigid tube 104, and/or a length of one or more of first rigidtube 102 and second rigid tube 104.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 and particularly to FIG. 16(block 1612), characteristics of the geometry defined by first rigidtube 102 and second rigid tube 104 include an angular relationshipbetween first rigid tube 102 and second rigid tube 104. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 24 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 24 also includes the subject matteraccording to example 23, above.

An identified angular relationship may be utilized to accuratelyfabricate a tubing run, with the angular relationship between firstrigid tube 102 and second rigid tube 104 used to provide a bend betweencorresponding portions of a tubing run to be installed.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 and 7 and particularly to FIG.16, the angular relationship between first rigid tube 102 and secondrigid tube 104 is determined (block 1614) using position sensor 160coupled to lockable adjustment assembly 130 and configured to determinea relative angular position of first component 140 of lockableadjustment assembly 130 and second component 150 of lockable adjustmentassembly 130. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 25 of the present disclosure, wherein example 25also includes the subject matter according to example 24, above.

Position sensor 160 may be used to provide accurate, reliable, automatedmeasurement of the angular relationship, reducing or eliminatingoperating error and/or increasing automation of measuring andfabricating a tubing run for use in installation volume 101.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 and particularly to FIG. 16,identifying the characteristics of the geometry defined by first rigidtube 102 and second rigid tube 104 comprises (block 1616) removing firstrigid tube 102 and second rigid tube 104, locked in the selectedorientation by lockable adjustment assembly 130, from installationvolume 101 and using coordinate measuring machine 199 to identify thecharacteristics of the geometry. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 26 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 26 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 23 or 24, above.

Removing first rigid tube 102 and second rigid tube 104 frominstallation volume 101 and measuring using coordinate measuring machine199 provides for accurate measurement of modeling assembly 100 withoutrequiring transport of coordinate measuring machine 199 to installationvolume 101. Use of a coordinate measuring machine provides forgenerating digital data that may be used in design, manufacture, and/orassembly of a tubing run. Coordinate measuring machine 199 may be anymeasurement machine known in the art, such as a Romer arm.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 and 9 and particularly to FIG.16, with first rigid tube 102 and second rigid tube 104 locked in theselected orientation relative to each other, identifying thecharacteristics of the geometry defined by first rigid tube 102 andsecond rigid tube 104 comprises (block 1618) identifying a relativeangular position of first component 140 and second component 150 oflockable adjustment assembly 130 using markings 190 on at least one offirst component 140 and second component 150. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 27 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 27 also includes the subject matteraccording to example 23, above.

The use of markings 190 allows for convenient, reliable visualdetermination or confirmation of positioning or orientation of firstrigid tube 102 with respect to second rigid tube 104. For example, withmodeling assembly 100 in place in a desired location, markings 190 maybe used to determine the orientation of first rigid tube 102 withrespect to second rigid tube 104. The determined orientation may beused, for example, to construct the run to be installed. Alternatively,modeling assembly 100 may be disassembled in the desired location foreasy transport, re-assembled in a remote location (e.g., shop located ata distance from the desired location or installation location 101) usingmarkings 190 as a guide, and measured.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 and particularly to FIG. 16,method 300 further comprises (block 1620) unlocking lockable adjustmentassembly 130 within installation volume 101, (block 1622) transportingfirst rigid tube 102 and second rigid tube 104 outside installationvolume 101, and (block 1624) reestablishing the selected orientation offirst rigid tube 102 and second rigid tube 104 relative to each otherbased on the relative angular position of first component 140 and secondcomponent 150. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 28 of the present disclosure, wherein example 28also includes the subject matter according to example 27, above.

Dis-assembling and re-assembling locking adjustment assembly 130 and/orother components of modeling assembly 100 provides for convenienttransportation of modeling assembly 100, which may be long or otherwiseunwieldy in an assembled state simulating the tubing run to beinstalled. Further, due to obstacles or impediments in installationvolume 101, it may be difficult or impractical to remove modelingassembly 100 from installation volume 101 in an assembled state and/orto measure modeling assembly 100 in installation volume 101.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 and particularly to FIG. 16,securing first component 140 of lockable adjustment assembly 130 to endC of second rigid tube 104 comprises (block 1626) threading first malethreaded member 112 into first female threaded member 116 to compressfirst expander 114 in axial direction 129 along first longitudinal axis103 of first rigid tube 102 between first female threaded member 116 andfirst component 140. As a result, first expander 114 expands in radialdirection 128, perpendicular to first longitudinal axis 103 of firstrigid tube 102, to press against and frictionally engage first interiorsurface 109 of first rigid tube 102. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 29 of the present disclosure,wherein example 29 also includes the subject matter according to any oneof examples 22-28, above.

Use of first expander 114 provides for convenient, reliable securementand disengagement of first rigid tube 102 and lockable adjustmentassembly 130. For example, by tightening first female threaded member116 on first male threaded member 112 by hand or with a tool, firstrigid tube 102 and lockable adjustment assembly 130 may be secured, andby loosening first female threaded member 116 on first male threadedmember 112, first rigid tube 102 and lockable adjustment assembly 130may be released. Use of first expander 114 in various examples can alsoaccommodate nominal differences of sizes of rigid tubes and/orimperfections or variances on first interior surface 109 of first rigidtube 102.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3 and particularly to FIG. 16(block 1628), first rigid tube 102 is installed within installationvolume 101 before first component 140 is secured to first rigid tube102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 30 of the present disclosure, wherein example 30 also includesthe subject matter according to example 29, above.

Installing first rigid tube 102 within installation volume 101 beforesecuring first component 140 allows for manipulation and position offirst rigid tube 102 in tight quarters that may not permit installationof rigid tubes coupled to each other prior to installation.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-9 and particularly to FIG. 16,locking lockable adjustment assembly 130 comprises (block 1630) fixedlyclamping spherical portion 143 of first component 140 within cavity 152of second component 150. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 31 of the present disclosure, wherein example 31also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 22-30,above.

Use of spherical portion 143 and corresponding cavity 152 provides forconsistent, reliable securement of lockable adjustment assembly 130.Also, use of spherical portion 143 and corresponding cavity 152 allowsfor freedom of movement in pitch, yaw, and roll degrees of freedom,while constraining other motions of first component 140 and secondcomponent 150 relative to each other.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-9, 13 and particularly to FIG. 16method 300 further comprises (block 1632) progressively threadablyengaging neck 158 of second component 150 with threaded nut 159 toconfigure second component 150 to a contracted state to lock sphericalportion 143 of first component 140 within cavity 152 of second component150. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 32 of the present disclosure, wherein example 32 also includesthe subject matter according to example 31, above.

Use of threaded nut 159 allows for convenient actuation of cavity 152between contracted and expanded states by hand or by using a tool, suchas a wrench.

Referring generally to, e.g., FIGS. 1-9, 13 and particularly to FIG. 16(block 1634), neck 158 of second component 150 is tapered. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 33 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 33 also includes the subject matteraccording to example 32, above.

Use of tapered neck 158 in connection with threaded nut 159 allows forconvenient actuation of cavity 152 between contracted and expandedstates by hand or by using a tool, such as a wrench.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3,modeling assembly 100 for layout of rigid tubing is disclosed. Modelingassembly 100 comprises first rigid tubes 102, each having end A and endB, and second rigid tubes 104, each having end C and end D. Modelingassembly 100 also comprises first releasable coupling assemblies 110 andsecond releasable coupling assemblies 120. Modeling assembly 100 alsocomprises lockable adjustment assemblies 130 each comprising firstcomponent 140 and second component 150. First component 140 of each oneof lockable adjustment assemblies 130 is configured to be removablycoupled to end A or end B of one of first rigid tubes 102 via one offirst releasable coupling assemblies 110. Second component 150 of eachone of lockable adjustment assemblies 130 is configured to be removablycoupled to one of end C or end D of one of second rigid tubes 104 viaone of second releasable coupling assemblies 120. Each one of lockableadjustment assemblies 130 is selectively configured to a loose coupledstate or a locked coupled state. With one of lockable adjustmentassemblies 130 in the loose coupled state, first component 140 of theone of lockable adjustment assemblies 130 and second component 150 ofthe one of lockable adjustment assemblies 130 have only three degrees offreedom relative to each other. With one of lockable adjustmentassemblies 130 in the locked coupled state, first component 140 of theone of lockable adjustment assemblies 130 and second component 150 ofthe one of lockable adjustment assemblies 130 have zero degrees offreedom relative to each other. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 34 of the present disclosure.

Use of releasable coupling assemblies (e.g., first releasable couplingassembly 110 and second releasable coupling assembly 120) as set forthabove allows for the positioning of rigid tubes (e.g., first rigid tube102, second rigid tube 104) in a desired position, and for reliably andaccurately measuring the positioning to provide for improved accuracy infabricating tubing runs for installation in installation volume 101,such as in an airplane. Use of rigid tubes (e.g., first rigid tube 102,second rigid tube 104) allows for stability and accuracy in modelingruns to be installed. Use of lockable adjustment assembly 130 allows forconvenient and reliable securement of the components of modelingassembly 100 during positioning and/or measurement. Modeling assembly100 may be adjusted and assembled within installation volume 101 toaccount for structures and component to be encountered by a tubing run,and measurements of modeling assembly 100 used to fabricate a tubing runto be installed within installation volume 101.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3, atleast one of first rigid tubes 102 is different from at least anotherone of first rigid tubes 102. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 35 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 35 also includes the subject matter according to example 34,above.

Use of different tubes provides for flexibility and adaptability inmodeling tubing runs. For example, rigid tubes may have differentdiameters and/or lengths. As another example, one or more rigid tubesmay be telescoping or have an otherwise variable length, while others donot.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3,first rigid tubes 102 are identical to each other. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 36 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 36 also includes the subject matteraccording to example 34, above.

Use of identical first rigid tubes 102 provides for reduced numbers ofdifferent tube types, and elimination of potential confusion betweendifferent types of tubes.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3, atleast one of second rigid tubes 104 is different from at least anotherone of second rigid tubes 104. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 37 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 37 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 34-36, above.

Use of different tubes provides for flexibility and adaptability inmodeling tubing runs.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3, atleast one of first rigid tubes 102 is different from at least anotherone of second rigid tubes 104. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 38 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 38 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 34-36, above.

Use of different tubes provides for flexibility and adaptability inmodeling tubing runs.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3,first rigid tubes 102 are identical to second rigid tubes 104. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 39 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 39 also includes the subjectmatter according to example 34, above.

Use of identical first rigid tubes 102 and second rigid tubes 104provides for reduced numbers of different tube types, and elimination ofpotential confusion between different types of tubes.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g., FIGS. 2-3 and14, at least one of first rigid tubes 102 or second rigid tubes 104comprises telescoping assembly 180 having adjustable length 182. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 40 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 40 also includes the subjectmatter according to any one of examples 34-39, above.

Use of telescoping assembly 180 allows for varying length of a rigidtube as well as orientation of two or more rigid tubes for convenient,accurate modeling of a tubing run within installation volume 101.

Examples of the present disclosure may be described in the context ofaircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 as shown in FIG. 17 andaircraft 1102 as shown in FIG. 18. During pre-production, illustrativemethod 1100 may include specification and design (block 1104) ofaircraft 1102 and material procurement (block 1106). During production,component and subassembly manufacturing (block 1108) and systemintegration (block 1110) of aircraft 1102 may take place. Thereafter,aircraft 1102 may go through certification and delivery (block 1112) tobe placed in service (block 1114). While in service, aircraft 1102 maybe scheduled for routine maintenance and service (block 1116). Routinemaintenance and service may include modification, reconfiguration,refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of aircraft 1102.

Each of the processes of illustrative method 1100 may be performed orcarried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator(e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a systemintegrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraftmanufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party mayinclude, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, andsuppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, militaryentity, service organization, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 18, aircraft 1102 produced by illustrative method 1100may include airframe 1118 with a plurality of high-level systems 1120and interior 1122. Examples of high-level systems 1120 include one ormore of propulsion system 1124, electrical system 1126, hydraulic system1128, and environmental system 1130. Any number of other systems may beincluded. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principlesdisclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as theautomotive industry. Accordingly, in addition to aircraft 1102, theprinciples disclosed herein may apply to other vehicles, e.g., landvehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc.

Apparatus(es) and method(s) shown or described herein may be employedduring any one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and servicemethod 1100. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding tocomponent and subassembly manufacturing (block 1108) may be fabricatedor manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassembliesproduced while aircraft 1102 is in service (block 1114). Also, one ormore examples of the apparatus(es), method(s), or combination thereofmay be utilized during production stages 1108 and 1110, for example, bysubstantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft1102. Similarly, one or more examples of the apparatus or methodrealizations, or a combination thereof, may be utilized, for example andwithout limitation, while aircraft 1102 is in service (block 1114)and/or during maintenance and service (block 1116).

Different examples of the apparatus(es) and method(s) disclosed hereininclude a variety of components, features, and functionalities. Itshould be understood that the various examples of the apparatus(es) andmethod(s) disclosed herein may include any of the components, features,and functionalities of any of the other examples of the apparatus(es)and method(s) disclosed herein in any combination, and all of suchpossibilities are intended to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Many modifications of examples set forth herein will come to mind to oneskilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains having thebenefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not tobe limited to the specific examples illustrated and that modificationsand other examples are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and theassociated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in thecontext of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/orfunctions, it should be appreciated that different combinations ofelements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementationswithout departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,parenthetical reference numerals in the appended claims are presentedfor illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scopeof the claimed subject matter to the specific examples provided in thepresent disclosure.

1. A modeling assembly (100) for layout of rigid tubing, the modelingassembly (100) comprising: a first releasable coupling assembly (110); asecond releasable coupling assembly (120); and a lockable adjustmentassembly (130) comprising a first component (140) and a second component(150), wherein: the first component (140) of the lockable adjustmentassembly (130) is configured to be removably coupled to an end A of afirst rigid tube (102), having a first longitudinal axis (103), via thefirst releasable coupling assembly (110), the second component (150) ofthe lockable adjustment assembly (130) is configured to be removablycoupled to an end C of a second rigid tube (104), having a secondlongitudinal axis (105), via the second releasable coupling assembly(120), the lockable adjustment assembly (130) is selectively configuredto a loose coupled state or a locked coupled state, with the lockableadjustment assembly (130) in the loose coupled state, the firstcomponent (140) of the lockable adjustment assembly (130) and the secondcomponent (150) of the lockable adjustment assembly (130) have onlythree degrees of freedom relative to each other; and with the lockableadjustment assembly (130) in the locked coupled state, the firstcomponent (140) of the lockable adjustment assembly (130) and the secondcomponent (150) of the lockable adjustment assembly (130) have zerodegrees of freedom relative to each other.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The modelingassembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first releasablecoupling assembly (110) comprises: a first female threaded member (116);a first male threaded member (112) comprising a first portion (113) andconfigured to be threaded into the first female threaded member (116),wherein only the first portion (113) of the first male threaded member(112) is configured to pass through the first component (140) of thelockable adjustment assembly (130); and a first expander (114)configured to be interposed between the first component (140) of thelockable adjustment assembly (130) and the first female threaded member(116), wherein the first expander (114) comprises a through centralcavity (117); wherein, when the first female threaded member (116) andthe first expander (114) are positioned inside the first rigid tube(102), the first portion (113) of the first male threaded member (112)is inserted through the first component (140) of the lockable adjustmentassembly (130), and the first male threaded member (112) is threadedinto the first female threaded member (116) to compress the firstexpander (114) in an axial direction (129) along the first longitudinalaxis (103) of the first rigid tube (102) between the first component(140) of the lockable adjustment assembly (130) and the first femalethreaded member (116), the first expander (114) expands in a radialdirection (128), perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (103) ofthe first rigid tube (102), to press against and frictionally engage afirst interior surface (109) of the first rigid tube (102).
 4. Themodeling assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein: the firstcomponent (140) comprises a first through opening (141) and the firstmale threaded member (112) further comprises a second portion (111), thefirst portion (113) of the first male threaded member (112) isconfigured to pass through the first through opening (141) of the firstcomponent (140), and the second portion (111) of the first male threadedmember (112) is configured not to pass through the first through opening(141) of the first component (140).
 5. The modeling assembly (100)according to claim 3, wherein: the first female threaded member (116)comprises an extension (115) and a flange (119), the extension (115) isconfigured to be accepted within the through central cavity (117) of thefirst expander (114) and to support at least a portion of the firstexpander (114) in the radial direction (128), and the flange (119) isconfigured to axially compress the first expander (114) when the firstportion (113) of the first male threaded member (112) is threaded intothe first female threaded member (116).
 6. The modeling assembly (100)according to claim 5, wherein the first releasable coupling assembly(110) further comprises a first washer (219) configured to be interposedbetween the first expander (114) and the flange (119) of the firstfemale threaded member (116) of the first releasable coupling assembly(110).
 7. The modeling assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein thefirst releasable coupling assembly (110) further comprises a secondwasher (217) configured to be interposed between the first expander(114) and the first component (140) of the lockable adjustment assembly(130).
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The modeling assembly (100)according to claim 1, wherein the second releasable coupling assembly(120) comprises: a second female threaded member (126); a second malethreaded member (122) comprising a first portion (123) and configured tobe threaded into the second female threaded member (126), wherein onlythe first portion (123) of the second male threaded member (122) isconfigured to pass through the second component (150) of the lockableadjustment assembly (130); and a second expander (124) configured to beinterposed between the second component (150) of the lockable adjustmentassembly (130) and the second female threaded member (126), wherein thesecond expander (124) comprises a through central cavity (118); wherein,when the second female threaded member (126) and the second expander(124) are positioned inside the second rigid tube (104), the firstportion (123) of the second male threaded member (122) is insertedthrough the second component (150) of the lockable adjustment assembly(130), and the second male threaded member (122) is threaded into thesecond female threaded member (126) to compress the second expander(124) in an axial direction (131) along the second longitudinal axis(105) of the second rigid tube (104) between the second component (150)of the lockable adjustment assembly (130) and the second female threadedmember (126), the second expander (124) expands in a radial direction(132), perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis (105) of the secondrigid tube (104) to press against and frictionally engage a secondinterior surface (209) of the second rigid tube (104).
 11. The modelingassembly (100) according to claim 10, wherein: the second component(150) comprises a second through opening (151) and the second malethreaded member (122) further comprises a second portion (121), thefirst portion (123) of the second male threaded member (122) isconfigured to pass through the second through opening (151) of thesecond component (150), and the second portion (121) of the second malethreaded member (122) is configured not to pass through the secondthrough opening (151) of the second component (150).
 12. The modelingassembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the first component (140)comprises a spherical portion (143); the second component (150)comprises a cavity (152) selectively configured to an expanded state,corresponding to the loose coupled stated of the lockable adjustmentassembly (130) or a contracted state, corresponding to the lockedcoupled state of the lockable adjustment assembly (130); in the expandedstate, the cavity (152) of the second component (150) is configured tobe loosely coupled with the spherical portion (143) of the firstcomponent (140); and in the contracted state, the cavity (152) of thesecond component (150) is configured to fixedly retain the sphericalportion (143) of the first component (140).
 13. The modeling assembly(100) according to claim 12, wherein: the second component (150)comprises fingers (153) and notches (154) formed between the fingers(153), each of the notches (154) has a width (156), the width (156) ofthe notches (154) decreases when the cavity (152) of the secondcomponent (150) is configured from the expanded state to the contractedstate, and the width (156) of the notches (154) increases when thecavity (152) of the second component (150) is configured from thecontracted state to the expanded state.
 14. The modeling assembly (100)according to claim 13, wherein: the second component (150) furthercomprises a neck (158); and the lockable adjustment assembly (130)further comprises a threaded nut (159) configured to progressivelythreadably engage the neck (158) of the second component (150) toconfigure the cavity (152) of the second component (150) to thecontracted state or to progressively threadably disengage the neck (158)of the second component (150) to configure the cavity (152) of thesecond component (150) to the expanded state.
 15. The modeling assembly(100) according to claim 14, wherein the neck (158) of the secondcomponent (150) is tapered.
 16. The modeling assembly (100) according toclaim 13, wherein: the first component (140) of the lockable adjustmentassembly (130) further comprises a neck (142), and at least one of thefingers (153) of the second component (150) comprises a relief cutout(157) configured to clear the neck (142) of the first component (140).17. The modeling assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the firstcomponent (140) of the lockable adjustment assembly (130) comprisesmarkings (190) configured to indicate an orientation of the first rigidtube (102) with respect to the second rigid tube (104).
 18. (canceled)19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. The modeling assembly (100) accordingto claim 1, wherein at least one of the first rigid tube (102) or thesecond rigid tube (104) comprises a telescoping assembly (180), whereinat least one of the first rigid tube (102) or the second rigid tube(104) has an adjustable length (182).
 22. A method (300) of modelinglayout of rigid tubing, the method comprising: securing a firstcomponent (140) of a lockable adjustment assembly (130) to an end A of afirst rigid tube (102) via a first releasable coupling assembly (110);securing a second component (150) of the lockable adjustment assembly(130) to an end C of a second rigid tube (104) via a second releasablecoupling assembly (120); moving the first component (140) and the secondcomponent (150), loosely coupled with each other, relative to each otherwith only three degrees of freedom to position the first rigid tube(102) and the second rigid tube (104) in a selected orientation withrespect to each other within an installation volume (101); and with thefirst rigid tube (102) and the second rigid tube (104) in the selectedorientation relative to each other, locking the lockable adjustmentassembly (130) so that the first component (140) and the secondcomponent (150) have zero degrees of freedom relative to each other. 23.The method (300) according to claim 22, further comprising identifyingcharacteristics of a geometry defined by the first rigid tube (102) andthe second rigid tube (104).
 24. The method (300) according to claim 23,wherein the characteristics of the geometry defined by the first rigidtube (102) and the second rigid tube (104) include an angularrelationship between the first rigid tube (102) and the second rigidtube (104). 25.-28. (canceled)
 29. The method (300) according to claim22, wherein securing the first component (140) of the lockableadjustment assembly (130) to an end C of a second rigid tube (104)comprises threading a first male threaded member (112) into a firstfemale threaded member (116) to compress a first expander (114) in anaxial direction (129) along a first longitudinal axis (103) of the firstrigid tube (102) between the first female threaded member (116) and thefirst component (140), wherein the first expander (114) expands in aradial direction (128), perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis(103) of the first rigid tube (102), to press against and frictionallyengage a first interior surface (109) of the first rigid tube (102).30.-33. (canceled)
 34. A modeling assembly (100) for layout of rigidtubing, the modeling assembly (100) comprising: first rigid tubes (102),each having an end A and an end B; second rigid tubes (104), each havingan end C and an end D; first releasable coupling assemblies (110);second releasable coupling assemblies (120); and lockable adjustmentassemblies (130) each comprising a first component (140) and a secondcomponent (150), wherein: the first component (140) of each one of thelockable adjustment assemblies (130) is configured to be removablycoupled to the end A or the end B of one of the first rigid tubes (102)via one of the first releasable coupling assemblies (110), the secondcomponent (150) of each one of the lockable adjustment assemblies (130)is configured to be removably coupled to one of the end C or the end Dof one of the second rigid tubes (104) via one of the second releasablecoupling assemblies (120), each one of the lockable adjustmentassemblies (130) is selectively configured to a loose coupled state or alocked coupled state, with one of the lockable adjustment assemblies(130) in the loose coupled state, the first component (140) of the oneof the lockable adjustment assemblies (130) and the second component(150) of the one of the lockable adjustment assemblies (130) have onlythree degrees of freedom relative to each other; and with one of thelockable adjustment assemblies (130) in the locked coupled state, thefirst component (140) of the one of the lockable adjustment assemblies(130) and the second component (150) of the one of the lockableadjustment assemblies (130) have zero degrees of freedom relative toeach other. 35.-40. (canceled)